On Thursday 4th May, about two dozen members and friends visited Sperrinks Nursery at Gazeley. Mr Sperrinks and Beryl who had previously been to the Horticultural Society to demonstrate making a hanging basket took us round the nursery, showing us the fascinating machinery used during the propagation of seeds and then the potting on, etc. The nursery makes thousands of baskets for various Councils, as well as for the public. It was a beautiful Spring evening and we all enjoyed the insight into how a large nursery works. Mr Sperrinks and Beryl were thanked by Stan Bates for their generous hospitality and for showing us around. The Nursery collects for The Hospice and members each left a small donation to this worthy cause.

On Wednesday, 10th May, 49 keen gardeners and those not so keen, left Wickhambrook at 8 o’clock in the morning to visit the R.H.S. gardens at Wisley. Again we were very lucky with the weather – lovely and sunny, with a pleasant breeze to help to keep us cool. The gardens were splendid – with azaleas and rhododendrons at their finest, as also were the bluebell woods. It was 8 o’clock in the evening when we returned to Wickhambrook, extremely tired but with lovely memories of a wonderful day out.

Our monthly meeting on the 15th May was a bring and buy sale which was very successful. We had lots of different plants for sale – bedding plants, cuttings from members gardens, seedlings, vegetables and herbs. Many thanks to all those who attended, those who brought plants and those who bought them. Quite a few cars left the car park full of plants. So happy planting to everyone – hope all your purchases succeed.

Our Flower Show, on the 8th July is fast approaching, and free Schedules are available from the village shop. There are lots of different types of entries, fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, flower arranging, cookery, handicrafts and particular items for children’s entries. So do pick up a Schedule and have a good look through it and see what you can enter. If you have not entered in previous years, it is very easy and any committee member would be only too pleased to give advice. But please remember that entries have to be made on the Wednesday evening previous to the Flower Show, that is on the 5th July, in the W.I. Hall between 6.30 and 8.30. The entry form is in the Schedule and it is only 5p a go, so go on, be brave and help us to have a splendid Flower Show. We cannot do it without you!!

There are still a few seats left for the coach outing to Sandringham Flower Show on Wednesday, 26th July. Give me a ring if you are interested on 01440 820108.

Jackie Fieldsend
Chairman